The European Union (EU) has committed to mobilizing EUR10 billion (US$10.7 billion) for connectivity and green projects in ASEAN. 

The launch of the ASEAN-EU Blue Book 2024-2025 at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta on May 8. Photos: EU Delegation in ASEAN

The amount will be sourced from Team Europe through the Global Gateway initiative, which is included in the ASEAN-EU Blue Book 2024-2025, released on May 8 at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta.

The ASEAN-EU Blue Book aims to provide an insightful and comprehensive overview of the multifaceted relationship between ASEAN and the EU.

This year’s Blue Book also highlights the Team Europe approach and initiatives on sustainable connectivity and green transition in the ASEAN region. 

Sujiro Seam, Ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN, speaks at the launching ceremony.

The launch event marked the attendance of Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN; Sujiro Seam, Ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN; and Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN and Country Coordinator for ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations. Diplomats from Permanent Missions and Embassies of EU Member States graced the occasion along with staff from the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN-EU programs.

“This Blue Book offers a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted and deep relationship between our regions and the commitments of our two regions to join hands in the pursuit of our common goals,” Sujiro Seam, Ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN, said, stating that during 47 years of ASEAN-EU relations, the strength of the strategic partnership has been proven to bring the two regions closer and stronger in the face of global challenges.. 

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, addresses the event.

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, highlighted the significance of the Blue Book in advancing the visibility of the partnership to generate awareness among all stakeholders in the regions. ‘The ASEAN-EU Blue Book continues to serve as a valuable platform in showcasing the EU’s meaningful support towards ASEAN Community-building efforts, the potential of our Strategic Partnership as well as the progress and key achievements in the implementation of the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action (2023-2027),” he stressed. 

Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Country Coordinator for ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, speaks at the event.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Hjayceelyn M. Quintana called for more ASEAN and EU partners to implement more activities and projects that would further enhance the partnership. 

“Deepening the strategic partnership between ASEAN and EU, two of the world’s most advanced and successful regional organisations, could serve as a model of partnership for other groupings around the world, which contribute to the promotion of international peace, stability and prosperity,” she noted 

The ASEAN-EU Blue Book 2024-2025.

The Blue Book serves as a testament to the robust and comprehensive cooperation between ASEAN and the EU. This cooperation aims to promote free and fair trade, advance sustainable development throughout ASEAN, ensure peace and security in the region, and foster sustainable connectivity.

Highlights of the ASEAN-EU Blue Book 2024-2025 include: (1) The December 2022 ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit and the 24th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting, held in February 2024 in Brussels; (2) The Global Gateway initiative, showcasing the EU’s commitment of €10 billion from Team Europe for green and connectivity projects in ASEAN; (3) The October 2023 5th ASEAN-EU Policy Dialogue on Human Rights, preceded by the 3rd ASEAN-EU Civil Society Forum and followed by the AICHR-EU study visit to Strasbourg; (4) EU cooperation priorities and updates on EU-supported projects across key sectors in ASEAN; and (5) Compelling stories from the field, illustrating the tangible impact of ASEAN-EU cooperation on the lives of ASEAN’s citizens.